The original item was published from 6/20/2018 9:35:22 AM to 6/20/2018 9:40:05 AM.

News Flash

Parks & Recreation

Posted on: June 20, 2018

[ARCHIVED] Unveiling of historical marker for Bay Shore beach resort to be held Saturday

June 20, 2018 - Join members of the Buckroe Historical Society on Saturday morning as they unveil a historical marker to the Bay Shore Hotel, which served African-Americans as a top East Coast resort for 75 years.

The venture, which opened in 1898, hosted state and national conferences, sporting events and concerts including Louis Armstrong, Cab Calloway and Ella Fitzgerald. Bay Shore, a cooperative venture funded by 60 African-American businessmen, began as a four-room cottage. The property adjoined Buckroe Beach, which was segregated.

By 1930, Bay Shore had a three-story beachfront hotel with 70 rooms, a cafe, pier, pavilion and bathhouses. It drew tourists from across the East Coast and Midwest.

The hotel was damaged in the 1933 hurricane and rebuilt. It continued to draw visitors through the 1960s. After integration, it declined in popularity and closed in 1973.

The ceremony to unveil the marker will begin at 9 a.m. Saturday, June 23, near the James T. Wilson Fishing Pier. Speakers include Mayor Donnie Tuck, members of the Buckroe Historical Society and community members who remember visiting Bay Shore.